FINDLAY — Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a local lawmaker’s bill requiring construction workers on public works projects to be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

House Bill 246, the E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, requires contractors to use the federal E-Verify program when working on public works projects for:

• State agencies and political subdivisions, and

• Private-sector contractors in nonresidential construction.

According to its website, E-Verify is a web-based platform that "compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility."

The main authors of the new law are state representatives D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, and Tex Fischer, R-Boardman. The measure takes effect on March 19.

“This act is a great step in stopping illegals ripping off hardworking Ohioans,” Swearingen said. “Ohio’s opportunities belong to Ohio’s families.”

Added Fischer: “Ohio jobs should be for Ohio workers. The E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act is a huge step towards protecting our workers from illegal immigrants who can undercut wages and pose safety risks. I’m grateful the governor signed this bill, after passage with unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.”

The measure gives the state attorney general the authority to investigate violations and enforce the law using the courts.

Contractors...

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